To equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to advance progress on complex, adaptive challenges – and opportunities – facing people and nature, the Center founded and chairs a university-wide graduate certificate program on Natural Resource Conflict Resolution.
This is the only graduate-level program in the nation specifically designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the theory and practice of collaboration and conflict resolution as applied to natural resources and environmental issues.
Students and faculty from more than 15 different disciplines regularly participate in courses and practicum projects. Students also have the opportunity to connect to the Center’s projects and partners throughout the program, practicing essential collaborative leadership skills while fostering relationships with practitioners, agency staff, scholars, and communities across Montana, the region, and the globe.
To be admitted to and complete the NRCR Program, students must:
Be admitted to a graduate program such as law, forestry, resource conservation, environmental studies, business, public administration, or other related fields -- or apply and be admitted to the NRCR program as a stand-alone certificate program with the graduate school.
Meet with the Co- Chairs of the program to review curriculum requirements, including opportunities for a practicum.
Submit a letter of intent to the Co-Chairs of the NRCR Program and the student’s faculty advisor. The letter of intent may be submitted at any time and should include:
A statement of interest.
How the NRCR Program fits with the student’s academic and professional goals.
A proposed list of courses —including both required and elective courses— to meet the required number of credits for the program as well as other courses for your graduate degree. Elective courses that are not listed on the suggested list of elective courses must be approved by the NRCR Program Co-Chairs and the faculty advisor.
Complete the required and elective courses for the Certificate.
Prepare a final self-evaluation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and meet with the Co-Chairs of the NRCR program for an exit interview.
Receive a Certificate of Achievement in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution.
Upon completing the NRCR Program, students are encouraged to participate in the NRCR Program alumni network.
For detailed information including admissions, curriculum, and student testimonials, see the following links:
